To begin, gather your ingredients. You will need one cup of dried , three cups of vegetable or chicken broth, one diced onion, two cloves of minced garlic, two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and a few slices of crusty bread.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Next, add the dried lentils to the pot and stir well. Pour in the three cups of broth, and add the thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. While the soup is cooking, slice the crusty bread into bite-sized pieces.
Once the lentils are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or a food processor to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit of water or extra broth to thin it out.
Return the soup to the pot and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the bread pieces to the pot, and stir well to coat them in the soup. Let the soup cook for a few more minutes, until the bread is soft and tender.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a few fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This delicious and filling soup is perfect for a cozy night in, or as a comforting meal to share with friends and family.
Not only is bread and lentil soup delicious, but it is also packed full of nutrients. Lentils are rich in protein, iron, and fiber, making them a great addition to any meal. The bread provides a source of complex carbohydrates, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Next time you are looking for a healthy and comforting meal, try making bread and lentil soup. It is easy to customize to your liking – add some chopped veggies or swap out the spices – and it is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!